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Boone

The High Country Will Be Cranking it Up With Carolina Flywheelers, July 25-27 

July 9, 2024 If you have a fascination for antique engines, tractors or other old vehicles and equipment — or if you would like to learn more about them, or maybe you just like to mingle with those who already know all about what makes them chug — the 44th annual High Country Crank-Up is the place you ought to be. For three big days — Thursday-Saturday, July 25-27 — one of the premiere events in the southeast for lovers of all things old, hit or miss, will be converging upon the High Country Fairgrounds for this once-a-year event. Sponsored by the Carolina Flywheelers, this attraction draws folks in from all over the country, with something for the young, and especially the young-at-heart. By Sherrie Norris

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**The Heroes of the High Country**

July 9, 2024 Acting as the community liaison officer for the Boone Police Department, Officer Kat Eller has the difficult role of facilitating a healthy relationship with the community.  Prior to becoming a law enforcement officer, Officer Eller was a missionary in Macedonia and enjoyed working with the youth.  Little did she know how her life would change when she watched the events of 9/11 on television.  She was pulled to return to the US and pursue a career in Law Enforcement.   She graduated from Radcliff in VA with a degree in Criminal Justice in 1996 and then Basic Law Enforcement Training in 2002.  She served in various areas of law enforcement until 2007 when she landed a position with the Boone Police Department.  While in Boone, she earned an Advanced Law Enforcement certificate and completed the Criminal Investigators Program, among other honors.  Her dedication allowed her to serve in various positions until she reached her current role. By Patricia “Trish” Kanipe

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Town of Boone Announces Fourth of July Day Events and Road Closures

July 1, 2024 On July 4th, 2024, the Town of Boone will be hosting all-day festivities to celebrate the Fourth of July. Please see the information below regarding the scheduled events and road closures. Prior to the Town of Boone’s annual Fourth of July Parade, the Jones House will be hosting the Watauga Community Band on King Street in front of the Jones House. The Watauga Community Band, a local band of musicians of all ages, will play patriotic tunes for all to enjoy. Parking before the parade is available at all Town-owned parking stations; however, it should be noted that cars will be unable to leave until after the parade if parked on King Street. All Town-owned parking spaces are free on July 4th. Public restrooms and port-a-potties will be available at the Jones House.

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Watauga Arts Council Wins AARP Grant as Part of Program to Make Communities More Livable

June 28, 2024 This week, AARP announced that nine organizations throughout North Carolina will receive 2024 Community Challenge grants – part of AARP’s largest investment in communities to date with $3.8 million awarded among 343 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults ages 50 and older. “AARP North Carolina is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages, especially those 50 and older,” said AARP North Carolina Director Michael Olender.

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Be Aware: Hwy 105 Near Broadstone Bridge May Require Temporary Closings Overnight Thursday

June 26, 2024 The section of Hwy 105 near Broadstone Bridge and Broadstone Road intersection may have periodic closings or limited one-lane traffic the evening of Thursday, June 27th, from approximately 10 pm to 8 am Friday, June 28th. The closings are necessary due to the Dept. of Transportation’s road and bridge construction work in this area that requires Blue Ridge Energy to move a major transmission pole in order to maintain equipment stability and reliable electricity. Reconfiguring the large transmission pole and conductors will require most of the overnight hours.

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Horn in the West’s 72nd Season Begins Tonight, Friday June 21 for a Journey Through History

June 21, 2024 Experience the excitement of the American frontier like never before with Horn in the West! Follow the brave pioneers as they navigate the challenges of the wilderness, all while surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With thrilling action, incredible music, and a powerful story of hope and perseverance, Horn in the West is an adventure you won’t want to miss. Buy your tickets now and join us for a journey through history! The house gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m.

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A Night of Folk Fusion: Evie Ladin and The Wilder Flower Live at The Jones House June 21

June 18, 2024 Prepare for an enchanting evening of music as Evie Ladin and The Wilder Flower take the stage for a special concert at The Jones House in downtown Boone, NC. This free event will be held on June 21st at 5:30pm, offering a delightful blend of folk, Americana, and Appalachian traditions. Kicking off the evening is the incomparable Evie Ladin, a multi-talented artist renowned for her skills in banjo playing, singing, percussive dancing, and square-dance calling. Evie’s performances bridge Appalachian music with other cultural traditions, creating a unique and captivating fusion. Following Evie Ladin, The Wilder Flower will continue the musical journey with their dynamic blend of folk, Americana, bluegrass, and Old-time music.

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Mast Store Expands Business Family with Addition of Locally Owned Partner, M-Prints

June 14, 2024 Mast General Store is pleased to announce its purchase of a long-time vendor located in Boone, North Carolina. The Mast Store recently acquired M-Prints, an apparel graphics printer and embroiderer, whose founder and owner, Stuart Mangum, put the business on the market in preparation for the next chapter of his life. As family-owned businesses, Mast Store and M-Prints have partnered together for nearly four decades. M-Prints has printed over 300,000 t-shirts and sweatshirts for the Mast Store over the course of the businesses’ enduring relationship. 

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Beginning on June 10th, a Section of the Boone Greenway Trail, Beginning at Daniel Boone Drive Extension, Will Be Closed Until September 2024

June 10, 2024 In partnership with New River Conservancy and Watauga County, the Town of Boone will be restoring 2,500 feet of the lower end of Hardin Creek. As such, the Boone Greenway Trail, beginning at the entrance of the Greenway Trail at Daniel Boone Drive Extension and ending at the Watauga High School Cross-Country field alongside the river, will be closed beginning on Monday, June 10th, and will reopen in September 2024. Patreons of the Greenway Trail will not be able to access this portion of the Greenway Trail until the restoration project is complete.

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Parking and Road Closure for Boonerang Music & Arts Festival on June 14 and 15

June 6, 2024 Come join the Town of Boone for the third annualBoonerang Music & Arts Festival, on Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15, in Downtown Boone! The Boonerang Music & Arts Festival celebrates Boone, North Carolina with a free downtown street festival; this community homecoming brings Boone-connected artists and fans together every third weekend in June to “Boonerang” back to the place we love. For the safety of guests, staff, and volunteers, the following roads will be closed on June 14, and will reopen late in the evening on June 15:

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3rd Annual Boonerang Music & Arts Festival to be Held June 14–15 in Downtown Boone

June 3, 2024 “The third annual Boonerang Music & Arts Festival will be held in downtown Boone the weekend of Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15. Presented by the Town of Boone and supporting partners, the free street festival and community homecoming event features performances and activities on multiple stages, as well as local food and drinks, a vendors market, silent disco, dance and cultural demonstrations, and kids’ activities. Boonerang especially emphasizes artists with a connection to Boone and the High Country. The full lineup of performing artists includes The Nude Party, Melissa Reaves, Snake Oil Medicine Show, Empire Strikes Brass, Gringo Star, The Tan & Sober Gentlemen and dozens more acts spanning genres from funk to folk and rock to reggae. 

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Public Service Announcement: The Town of Boone Will Be Conducting a Stormwater Assessment Beginning May 28

May 23, 2024. The Town of Boone is in the process of proactively enhancing its stormwater management system. As such, a town-wide stormwater utility assessment will begin on May 28, 2024, and is set to end in approximately 90 days. The cooperation of residents to allow contracted survey personnel on or near their property is essential for the success of this project, which ultimately benefits the entire community by fostering a safer and more resilient environment.

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5th Annual Vision Northwest North Carolina Takes Place Thursday, May 23: AI & Technology Solutions for Northwest NC

May 15, 2024 “The 5th annual Vision Northwest North Carolina summit will take place Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute’s Watauga Campus in Boone. This year’s event is focused on AI and Technology Solutions for Northwest North Carolina. Vision Northwest North Carolina brings together thought leaders from across the region to discuss current economic development trends impacting businesses, agencies, and communities. This year’s event features expert speakers and presenters, bringing thoughtful conversation and best practices to how AI and technology can be used for good throughout the region.

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Suspect in Custody for Armed Robbery in Boone on Thursday


May 11, 2024 On Thursday, May 9, 2024, at approximately 3:00 PM, Boone Officers were alerted to a reported armed robbery in the parking area of 545 Hwy 105 Extension. The suspect had fled the area on foot. Officers responded and quickly identified the suspect. A short time later a Boone Police Officer located the suspect behind a hotel on US 421 South. A short foot chase ensued before the suspect was taken into custody with the help of a Watauga Sheriff’s Office deputy.  The suspect was identified as 35-year-old Mario Rafael Gonzalez of Zionville, North Carolina.  Gonzalez was charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon (Felony), Resisting an Officer (Misdemeanor), Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor

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Local Woman Trapped in Wendy’s Bathroom in Boone

May 3, 2024. In an unexpected turn of events, a routine trip to Wendy’s turned into an amusing ordeal for one local resident, Julia Milliron, and her daughter Alexandra Milliron, who reside in Newland but frequent Boone. Julia found herself inadvertently trapped in the Wendy’s bathroom for a duration of around 40 minutes on May 1 at around 12:30 p.m. Recounting the incident, she expressed, “I felt panicked at first but called my daughter to come help me. Then once people came to help, I thought the situation was funny.”   By Harley Nefe

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Stage Schedules Now Available for the Third Annual Boonerang Music & Arts Festival

April 25, 2024 Ready to plan your perfect festival weekend? Stage schedules are now available for the 2024 Boonerang Music & Arts Festival, slated for Friday and Saturday, June 14–15. Check out who’s playing when and where at BoonerangFest.com. The full lineup, featuring The Nude Party and Melissa Reaves, includes over 30 acts spanning genres from funk to folk and rock to reggae. Presented by the Town of Boone and supporting partners, the multi-day street festival features performances and activities at many downtown locations, a vendors market, silent disco, international festival, dance stage, and kids’ activities — complementing the array of food, drinks and shopping always available in downtown Boone.

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Summer Concerts at the Jones House Announces 2024 Lineup Beginning June 7

April 20, 2024  Get ready to groove and unwind as the Town of Boone presents the 2024 Summer Concerts at the Jones House series, spicing up downtown every Friday evening in June, July, and August. Starting at 5:30 p.m. each week, enjoy performances by talented local musicians and regionally acclaimed artists alike. Admission is free, so simply bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair and settle in the Jones House lawn for an evening of live music. Concert goers can feel free to pack a picnic and bring their own drinks, including alcohol for those 21 and up. Parking is free in downtown Boone metered spaces and lots after 5 p.m.

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Join the Town of Boone in Unveiling New Solar Arrays on April 19 at the Clawson-Burnley Park

April 16, 2024 The Town of Boone is excited to announce the unveiling of two solar arrays at the Clawson-Burnley Park picnic shelters. The community is invited to join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 19 at 11:00 a.m., located at 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, as we celebrate this milestone in sustainable energy.These two solar arrays will help the Town of Boone reach the goals outlined in the Boone Community Climate Action Plan

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Remembering Local Businessman, Zionville Community Icon, David Miller

April 11, 2024 The Zionville community, as well as the entire High Country region, East Tennessee and beyond, are mourning the death of local businessman, David Miller. Miller died on Monday, April 8, at his home surrounded by his loving family following a brief, but valiant fight with cancer. Miller’s name and his reputation — as not only the driving force behind Miller’s Farm Supply for nearly half a century, but also as a strong community leader, servant and advocate — is one that will not be easily forgotten. Nor should it be. With his wife, Terri, by his side since the mid-1970’s, Miller provided a much-needed service to the western part of Watauga County in more ways than one.  By Sherrie Norris

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Boone Next: Guide for Our Future Workshops Scheduled for Three-Day Event

April 9, 2024 The Town of Boone is actively engaging its community in shaping the future through the Boone Next initiative. This comprehensive plan update is a collaborative effort, inviting input from residents, business owners, and all other stakeholders across the Town. The Town of Boone will host a series of Guide For Our Future Workshops, between April 29 to May 1, 2024. On April 29 and 30, the Town will host a series of events to engage property owners and people living in one of Boone Next’s four focus areas. On the evening of April 30, everyone is invited to learn about our focus area work. Additionally, on the evening of May 1, we are hosting the second Boone Next community meeting. If you attended our first meeting in January, this is your opportunity to see how we translated your feedback into action. Please continue reading for more information about this three-day event (a schedule is attached). 

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High Country Real Estate: March Stats

April 4, 2024 Not sure if it came in like a lion and went out like a lamb, but March marched in and has now marched out. March saw 150 closed single family sales in the High Country Association on REALTORS Multiple Listing Service. Of those 150 sales, 128 were in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties, the area we look at most closely when analyzing High Country Real Estate. Of those 128, 32 were condos or townhomes and 96 were single family detached. By Linda Cramblit , REALTOR

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Volunteers Needed for Spring Litter Sweep April 13 – 27 and “Boone Clean-Up Day” on April 13

April 3, 2024 All citizens are invited and encouraged to take part in this town-wide clean up by volunteering to clean around their property on “Boone Clean-Up Day” ~ April 13th. Volunteers may also come by the Town of Boone Public Works Center at 321 East King Street between the hours of 8:00am – 1:00pm if they wish to be assigned a location to clean inside the town limits. Cleaning supplies (gloves/bags) will be provided.

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The Hottest New Store on King Street in Boone: Off the Rack Vintage

April 1, 2024 “Off the Rack Vintage Boone is a new business that opened in February 2024 on King Street. As a shoe collector and lover of sneakers, the New Balances and Air Forces in the window of the newly opened store caught my eye, so I decided to venture in. I was surprised to see such urban sneakers in a store on King Street, as sneakers such as Nike Dunks, Jordans, or Air Forces are not a part of the typical market demand in Boone, North Carolina.  Once I was in the store, the first sense I felt was a very laid back and chill vibe. Most importantly, it was vintage. There were vintage cereal boxes, a boom box, and classic Looney Tunes photos. By Shantaja Brown

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Pause to Give Life at Watauga Medical Center April 3rd at 8:01 a.m. for Flag Raising

March 28, 2024 UNC Health Appalachian is among dozens of hospitals that will partner with HonorBridge to simultaneously host a statewide Donate Life Flag-raising ceremony and moment of silence. This event promotes the mission of organ, eye, and tissue donation and honors donors, donor families, recipients, and those waiting for a life-saving transplant in North Carolina.The Pause to Give Life event kicks off the start of National Donate Life Month and will be held Wednesday, April 3, at 8:01 a.m. at the Watauga Medical Center Campus outside of the Heart and Vascular Center by the flagpole. The event is open to the public with parking available in the main hospital parking lot.

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